Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism: Iran cultural holiday

Environment

Our local partner in Iran is instrumental in developing a regional policy for environmentally sustainable tourism and works very closely with the official bodies in advising them how to best implement this. This includes the preservation of some of key natural attractions and ensuring that the gradual increase in tourism and its associated services does not have a detrimental effect.

This is a concept that is still very much in its infancy in this part of the world and we are proud to be working with such a respected pioneer in this field at such a key moment in tourism. This includes such issues as waste management, management of scarce resources such as water, and ensuring that future developments in the tourism sector are carried out in an environmentally sensitive manner.

We work with our local suppliers to highlight best practice in terms of environmental issues, an important effort in a country where the environment is often taken for granted.

Community

We only work with operators who are as committed as we are to putting something back into the communities we visit. This may include giving a percentage of the profits from each tour to a foundation to help street children or local conservation projects. Our local supplier in Iran works closely with the government bodies responsible to help protect the impressive archaeological sites to be found here.

Our journey through southern and central Iran takes us through areas which are the summer domain of various nomadic tribes who migrate from lowland pastures in winter to the mountains in the summer. We are careful to respect local customs and culture and our groups are briefed on this aspect of Iran. Travellers also have the opportunity to support local communities by purchasing local handicrafts.

Our groups average only two clients. This has much less impact when travelling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects.

Finally to emphasise our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travellers Code of Conduct with their travel documents.

Reviews of Iran cultural holiday

You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays.

I am reborn! Simply the best holiday I have ever been on

Some great stories to tell the grandchildren. Would recommend to a friend

Very enjoyable

It was OK

A bit disappointing really

Reviewed on 30 May 2016 by Danica Trim

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Well, that's difficult! Perselpolis was amazing, but so were many of the Islamic sites, such as Qom and the Sheikh Lotfallah mosque in Isfahan. I also enjoyed visiting the tea houses and bazaars.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

You need to get used to the different ways in which the Iranian currency is referred to - rials and tomans. It can be a bit confusing at first!

Be aware that you need a lot of cash, as credit cards are not accepted in the vast majority of places.

Be prepared to be welcomed everywhere! The Iranians are delightful people!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

I think the main benefit overall was to dispel the many myths propagated by the Western media about Iran and its people. It is not an oppressive and dangerous desert backwater. It is a beautiful country, hugely cultured, and its people were some of the most welcoming I have ever met anywhere.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

Fantastic.

Read the operator's response here:

We are delighted that our client enjoyed the tour so much. Reviews such as this highlight the welcoming and hospitable nature of the Iranian people and we hope they will offer reassurance to other people thinking of visiting the country.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2014 by Rosemary Rennie

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Isfahan followed very closely by Yazd. It was good to have free time in which to explore the cities and meet the people.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Iran is not as unsafe as sometimes portrayed in the press and media. The people were very friendly and helpful and there was no obvious police presence.

Dress for women was not as strict as expected and although the headscarf was a given, many wore fashionable clothes in bright colours without being covered by a black chador.

Be prepared for a variable standard of sanitary arrangements. In 3* hotels or higher, the better restaurants and museums they are usually adequate but elsewhere, toilets and washing facilities leave a lot to be desired with fittings missing or broken and smelly/unclean. Definitely pack a universal plug, toilet roll and wet wipes.

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?

Difficult to know whether or not tourism benefits the local people in general. However, there has been an attempt to involve the nomads some of whom have settled in one place and offer accommodation to visitors.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

An excellent experience with the right amount of sightseeing and free time.